Chapter 4 The Second One
A flicker of surprise crossed Tyler’s eyes. He studied Eleanor’s face for a beat. “Your sure about that? An engagement’s not something you play around with.”
She figured Tyler might be annoyed with her constantly going back and forth. “I’ve made up my mind. I know it looks flaky, but this time, I’m sure. Please, Tyler. I really need your help.”
Tyler seemed a bit amused. His lips curved up a little, but he kept a serious tone. “I promised you three favors. Already wasted two on this deadbeat. You’ve got one left- better hold onto it.”
Eleanor nodded. “So you’ll do it? And I wouldn’t say the first two were totally wasted. At least now I know one thing: falling head over heels for a guy is a terrible idea. Lesson learned.
“I’m not going to let myself catch feelings so easily again. Guys… not worth it.”
Tyler let out this drawn–out “huh” sound.
Eleanor realized she might’ve just lumped him in with all the “not worth it” guys. Panic hit her–she couldn’t afford to offend someone of Tyler’s stature. “Wait, Tyler, I didn’t mean you’re not worth it.”
But the second it came out, she felt like she’d made it even worse. And the way he stared at her with those cold eyes made her all the more uneasy.
“So,” Tyler said, picking up the glass and taking a sip, “what happened today?” He fixed his gaze back on Eleanor, waiting for her to spill the tea.
Eleanor stared at the glass in his hand, hesitated for a second, then spoke softly, “Tyler, that glass you’re holding… it’s mine. Maybe I should grab you a different one.” She’d already used it.
Tyler was a total germaphobe, especially when it came to physical contact with women. Eleanor had heard this wild story about some socialite trying to flirt with him- barely touched his arm–and he straight–up pushed her away.
No “excuse me” or anything. He just took off his jacket right there, handed it to his assistant, and told him to toss it out because it was “contaminated.”
Eleanor thought to herself, If he couldn’t stand someone brushing his sleeve, what’s he going to do when he finds out we drank from the same glass?‘
Tyler didn’t seem to hear her. “If you really don’t want to talk about it, fine. But the fact that Chris laid a hand on you? Real impressive.”
Eleanor noticed he didn’t care about the shared glass, so she finally said, “She’s back.”
She looked down and didn’t catch the calculating glint that passed through Tyler’s eyes. Eleanor continued, “I’ve made up my mind. Better to rip the Band–Aid off than
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Chapter 4 The Second One
drag it out. You’ve got pull with the Langfords, so-
“I get it.” Tyler cut her off. “There’s a family dinner at the Langford house tomorrow. Come. Bring Chris.”
Eleanor blinked. “Wait… Tyler, I don’t think you heard me. Chris is not coming with me.”
“Even better,” Tyler said, tapping his finger against the table. He sounded like he was already putting together a plan. “He’s the one who messed up. He’s in the wrong. But because of him, you’re ready to write off every guy out there? That’s not it.”
Eleanor bit her lip. “Yeah… I misspoke. Next time I fall for someone, it’ll be someone like you–someone steady.”
Tyler’s eyes settled on her, a playful edge in his voice. “Someone like me, huh?”
Eleanor cringed internally, ‘Maybe it was Tyler’s whole aura messing with my head… or maybe I was already in a crap mood… Either way, I couldn’t stop saying dumb stuff today.
“If you’re seriously thinking about someone like me,” Tyler said, half–joking, “I wouldn’t say no. Wouldn’t be a bad deal for you, either. And you’ve still got one wish left. If you use it, I can’t exactly say no.”
Eleanor’s cheeks
flushed. She stole a glance at him, noticed he didn’t look mad, and finally relaxed a little. “Tyler, quit messing with me. I’m your nephew’s fiancee.
“If I turn around and marry you right after the breakup, imagine what people would say. I can’t let you take that hit. Anyway, I should head back.”
“Hold on,” Tyler said, voice low. “How’d you get here?”
“Took a cab,” Eleanor replied. “Didn’t feel like driving.”
He nodded and called his assistant, Keith, to come in and take her home.
“It’s late. Not safe for you to be out alone,” Tyler said, glancing her way. “I’ll feel better if someone takes you back.”
Turning that down would’ve just made her look ungrateful, so Eleanor thanked him and accepted the ride.
Keith drove Eleanor back to the Donovan mansion. Just before she got out of the car, he said, “Honestly, I think Mr. Langford’s a good guy.”
“Huh?” Eleanor looked at him.
Keith’s expression stayed serious. “If you really want to get back at Chris, best way to do it is to marry a guy who can put him in his place.
“Since you saved Mr. Langford, Chris and his parents already have it out for you. If your did end up with Chris, things wouldn’t be easy.
“But Sir Langford’s into you, and Mr. Langford’s the responsible type. With those two backing you, even if the rest of the Langfords don’t, they’d have to suck it up.”
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Chapter 4 The Second One
Eleanor was surprised at first, but it didn’t take long to figure it out. ‘If Tyler were out of the picture, Chris‘ dad would be the one calling the shots.
“Me saving Tyler messed that up for them. No wonder Chris‘ mom has always looked. at me like I was dirt under her shoe.”
Keith kept going. “So… maybe give Mr. Langford a shot?”
Eleanor gave him a little smile. “Thanks, Keith. Tyler should really give you a Cupid award.”
Keith watched Eleanor head inside before turning around and driving back to pick up. Tyler at the clubhouse. “Mr. Langford, I said everything you told me to. But… Miss Donovan treated it like a joke. Didn’t seem to take it seriously.”
Tyler was holding the same glass from earlier, gently rubbing the rim with his thumb, right where Eleanor’s lipstick had left a faint smudge. “No big deal,” he said. “One spark won’t start a fire, but keep striking that flint.”
“But sir…” Keith hesitated. “Do you really not care what people might say?”
“Me? I couldn’t care less,” Tyler said. “But Eleanor’s the sensitive type–all that small- town chatter would eat her alive, I need a solid plan to keep the backlash off her.”
As he spoke, he sent Eleanor a text: [You home? Don’t go out alone at night. It’s not safe.]
Eleanor saw the message and felt a sudden warmth spread through her chest. Ever since her grandma passed, it had been a long time since anyone had cared about her like that.
Eleanor’s grandma, Jennifer Donovan, had never liked Serena, saying she gave off at trashy vibe even as a kid. Eventually, she just moved to the countryside to avoid the drama.
Whenever things got rough at home, Eleanor would go stay with her for a while. Her grandma was the only one she could really talk to.
“Your happiness comes first,” Jennifer always said. “That whole engagement thing? Your grandpa blurted it out drunk one night. Don’t treat it like a ball and chain. If you meet someone you really like, just forget the arrangement.”
“You finally came home! I told you to apologize to Chris–did you do it or not?” Linda’s voice came sharp from across the room.
Eleanor looked at Linda, face twisted in frustration. But whatever she wanted to say, she swallowed it. “There’s a family dinner at the Langfords‘ tomorrow. I’ll be there.”
She paused, then added quietly, “Mom, I’m your daughter. Why is it always Serena who gets your love?”
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